The Little Theatre, Leicester until 22 November 2025
Reviewed by LW
4****
Hairspray is a vibrant, feel-good musical set in 1960s Baltimore. It follows teenager Tracy Turnblad (Ellie Barratt) as she pursues her dream of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, hosted by Corny Collins (Conor Izzard). Along the way, Tracy challenges social norms, fights for racial integration, and wins the heart of teen idol Link Larkin (Jude Major).
The show opens with Tracy’s upbeat anthem “Good Morning Baltimore”, which Ellie Barratt delivers with enthusiasm. At times, however, some of the bigger numbers felt slightly beyond her comfort zone, and as a relative newcomer to the amateur circuit, this was noticeable. That said, her energy and commitment were evident throughout.
A standout performance came from Natasha Ann Carr as Penny Pingleton, who stole every scene with impeccable comic timing, strong vocals, and a fully realized character. Supporting roles included Link Larkin and Seaweed (Lewis Shaw). Jude Major showcased a great voice, though his character’s transformation could have been more clearly portrayed. Lewis Shaw impressed with his vocal range and dynamic dance ability.
Rosie Chalmers as Amber Von Tussle demonstrated clear experience, though the role demanded a different dynamic. Additionally, frequent shouting of lines meant some dialogue was lost to the audience.
Other notable performances included Conor Izzard as the delightfully cheesy Corny Collins, Jade Afflick-Goodall as the powerhouse Motormouth Maybelle, and Matt Brown’s charming portrayal of Edna Turnblad. A special mention goes to Sophia Pirie as Little Inez, whose excellent vocals and characterisation suggest a bright future ahead.
The ensemble and “Nicest Kids in Town” brought energy and enthusiasm, despite occasional lapses in dance precision.
One of the evening’s highlights was the duet between Edna and Wilbur (Alex Thompson), which brought genuine laughter to the audience. Their playful chemistry and well-timed comedic delivery made the number a joy to watch. The staging and character interaction added charm, turning what could have been a simple song into a memorable, light-hearted moment that perfectly captured the warmth and humour of their relationship.
Direction by Joshua Taylor-Williams met the demands of the show, supported by Jade Afflick-Goodall’s choreography. The orchestra, under Reece Crane, delivered a strong performance, though some entries were slightly delayed.
Overall, this was a lively and enjoyable amateur production that clearly delighted its sell-out audience.